Gene Hackman dead at 95: Iconic actor and wife, 63, are found dead with their dog at Santa Fe home. #3

[slowpoke]

IMO they are just hoping for a juicy story.
Having read @SteveS 's illuminating posts, I don't think they have the tiniest clue how these things work.

Interesting tidbit: I don’t know if TMZ’s info is accurate, but TMZ’s founder is Harvey Levin, and I remember a friend of mine told me a long time ago that he had been one of her professors at Whittier Law school!

 

[al66pine]

TMZ’s founder, Harvey Levin, a Professor at Whittier Law School?

Interesting tidbit: I don’t know if TMZ’s info is accurate, but TMZ’s founder is Harvey Levin, and I remember a friend of mine told me a long time ago that he had been one of her professors at Whittier Law school!

@slowpoke Thx for this "interesting tidbit."

Not sure what to make of it, but a Google search for "whittier law school" brought these results:

Google Search

See also: https://en.wikipedia<a href="Whittier Law School - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a> becoming the first law school with full accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) to shut down in at least 30 years.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.org/wiki/Whittier_Law_School
"Whittier Law School was a law school in Costa Mesa, California founded in 1966. The law school was part of Whittier College, a private institution. After several years being ranked among the poorest-performing law schools in the United States based on bar passage rate and job placement,... Whittier Law School announced in April 2017 that it would no longer be admitting students and would discontinue its legal program,....becoming the first law school with full accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) to shut down in at least 30 years...." (sbm)

Scroll down to see "Bar passage rates."

Sorry, a glitch w ^ quote or link, all my fault.


Hoping your friend found fulfillment after law school, as there are many career choices for law school students & graduates not requiring a law license and not involving private practice (the obvs choice some ppl leap to).

Yep, Harvey Levin, a professor at a law school? : )
Interesting, I had no idea. Thx for posting.

 

[slowpoke]

TMZ’s founder, Harvey Levin, a Professor at Whittier Law School?

@slowpoke Thx for this "interesting tidbit."

Not sure what to make of it, but a Google search for "whittier law school" brought these results:

Google Search

See also: https://en.wikipedia<a href="Whittier Law School - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a> becoming the first law school with full accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) to shut down in at least 30 years.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.org/wiki/Whittier_Law_School
"Whittier Law School was a law school in Costa Mesa, California founded in 1966. The law school was part of Whittier College, a private institution. After several years being ranked among the poorest-performing law schools in the United States based on bar passage rate and job placement,... Whittier Law School announced in April 2017 that it would no longer be admitting students and would discontinue its legal program,....becoming the first law school with full accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) to shut down in at least 30 years...." (sbm)

Scroll down to see "Bar passage rates."

Sorry, a glitch w ^ quote or link, all my fault.


Hoping your friend found fulfillment after law school, as there are many career choices for law school students & graduates not requiring a law license and not involving private practice (the obvs choice some ppl leap to).

Yep, Harvey Levin, a professor at a law school? : )
Interesting, I had no idea. Thx for posting.

I didn’t know the school closed.
However, both Harvey Levin and my friend were there in the earliest years, back in the late 70s, I believe. Maybe in its “heyday”? I don’t know.
Moo

 

[Luna20]

Is there a better source than TMZ who are reporting that as fact? Looks more like a scandalous TMZ rumour for which they’re well known for initiating. There could be several valid reasons for a beneficiary to hire an estate lawyer.

Gene Hackman Left Fortune to Deceased Wife, Nothing for Kids

Gene Hackman's will has been unveiled -- and the two-time Oscar-winner left every penny of his fortune to his wife, Betsy Arakawa -- but there's a big twist.

www.tmz.com

Andrew M. Katzenstein -- a prominent California trust and estate attorney -- has reportedly been hired by Gene's son Chris, who's the oldest sibling ... indicating he may challenge the will.

Someone posted it up thread and I don’t recall who it was. I don’t recall the linked source either.

 

[ClearAhead]

Someone posted it up thread and I don’t recall who it was. I don’t recall the linked source either.

Okay so no MSM source about a children’s inheritance battle. One of them hiring an estate attorney for unknown reasons is not proof of what business is involved. The adult children have lost their dad, they deserve peace and happiness and are as deserving of whatever inheritance they may receive as any other children of deceased parents IMO.

Exposed: Wounds behind the rift between Gene Hackman and his children

Gene Hackman fell to the 'temptations' of 'money and recognition' and drifted apart from three children, Christopher, Leslie, and Elizabeth as he carved a name for himself in Hollywood.

www.dailymail.co.uk

“His marriage ended in divorce and Hackman became somewhat absentee while the trio were 'growing up'. He 'lost touch' with Christopher, openly admitting that he was 'gone so much' while his son was at an 'age where he needed support and guidance'.

He seemingly maintained contact with Leslie and Elizabeth, who were both spotted on occasion accompanying him to film screenings and Hollywood events.

But Hackman has acknowledged his children had a difficult upbringing and struggled with having his 'success always hanging over their heads'.

It wasn't until he married his second wife in 1991 that the family began to heal. Arakawa was keen on helping Hackman reconcile with his children and encouraged him to invite them and his grandchildren over to their Santa Fe home…”

 

[MrsEmmaPeel]

I found the ABC special moving. Like an ending for me and this case. Two things stood out. The barking dog in the 911 call and that the Sheriff tracked Betsy’s last movements via what was on the kitchen counter. Everything she bought on Feb 11 still sitting where she must have hastily left it. I had thought mistakenly that shopowners had volunteered information. But it sounds like no one noticed her on her last day’s errands. An invisible middle aged woman who was dying.

 

[al66pine]

Son Chris Hiring Estate Attorney? If so, Significance???

Is there a better source than TMZ who are reporting that as fact? Looks more like a scandalous TMZ rumour for which they’re well known for initiating. There could be several valid reasons for a beneficiary to hire an estate lawyer.

Gene Hackman Left Fortune to Deceased Wife, Nothing for Kids

Gene Hackman's will has been unveiled -- and the two-time Oscar-winner left every penny of his fortune to his wife, Betsy Arakawa -- but there's a big twist.

www.tmz.com

Andrew M. Katzenstein -- a prominent California trust and estate attorney -- has reportedly been hired by Gene's son Chris, who's the oldest sibling ... indicating he may challenge the will.

@ClearAhead Seems ^ question about source about the Mar. 15 TMZ story is well founded. AFAIK no other MSM has reported that son Chris has actually engaged atty Katzenstein.

A son, dau, or relative actually engaging an atty does not necessarily indicate intent to contest the will, trust or other documents governing distribution of estate.
Just genly speaking, not specifically to the Hackman & Arakawa matter.
Someone anticipating potentially receiving $$$ thru a will, a trust, etc. may engage atty for purpose of learning consequences or liability re Fed. Estate & Gift Tax, any inheritance tax under state law, future state income tax, etc. Or someone might be considering a divorce or in midst of divorce & wondering about any effect on negotiating property settlement or child support.

Back to coverage re Hackman matters, a reporter from diff. outlet did an interview w an estate atty not involved in this estate or trust. IIRC, reporter said - son has reportedly hired counsel, blah, blah. Atty said, that could indicate a contest but not necessarily.
My paraphrasing, sorry no link.

imo
A few edits to clarify.

 

[Sleuth Sweet Founder]

I celebrate the age gap relationship working out. They were married 34 years. What was their secret?

 

[airportwoman]

TMZ’s founder, Harvey Levin, a Professor at Whittier Law School?

@slowpoke Thx for this "interesting tidbit."

Not sure what to make of it, but a Google search for "whittier law school" brought these results:

Google Search

See also: https://en.wikipedia<a href="Whittier Law School - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></a> becoming the first law school with full accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) to shut down in at least 30 years.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki.org/wiki/Whittier_Law_School
"Whittier Law School was a law school in Costa Mesa, California founded in 1966. The law school was part of Whittier College, a private institution. After several years being ranked among the poorest-performing law schools in the United States based on bar passage rate and job placement,... Whittier Law School announced in April 2017 that it would no longer be admitting students and would discontinue its legal program,....becoming the first law school with full accreditation by the American Bar Association (ABA) to shut down in at least 30 years...." (sbm)

Scroll down to see "Bar passage rates."

Sorry, a glitch w ^ quote or link, all my fault.


Hoping your friend found fulfillment after law school, as there are many career choices for law school students & graduates not requiring a law license and not involving private practice (the obvs choice some ppl leap to).

Yep, Harvey Levin, a professor at a law school? : )
Interesting, I had no idea. Thx for posting.

He probably handled their legal issues, at least at first.

 

[Luna20]

Okay so no MSM source about a children’s inheritance battle. One of them hiring an estate attorney for unknown reasons is not proof of what business is involved. The adult children have lost their dad, they deserve peace and happiness and are as deserving of whatever inheritance they may receive as any other children of deceased parents IMO.

Exposed: Wounds behind the rift between Gene Hackman and his children

Gene Hackman fell to the 'temptations' of 'money and recognition' and drifted apart from three children, Christopher, Leslie, and Elizabeth as he carved a name for himself in Hollywood.

www.dailymail.co.uk

“His marriage ended in divorce and Hackman became somewhat absentee while the trio were 'growing up'. He 'lost touch' with Christopher, openly admitting that he was 'gone so much' while his son was at an 'age where he needed support and guidance'.

He seemingly maintained contact with Leslie and Elizabeth, who were both spotted on occasion accompanying him to film screenings and Hollywood events.

But Hackman has acknowledged his children had a difficult upbringing and struggled with having his 'success always hanging over their heads'.

It wasn't until he married his second wife in 1991 that the family began to heal. Arakawa was keen on helping Hackman reconcile with his children and encouraged him to invite them and his grandchildren over to their Santa Fe home…”

"I'm not saying that Christopher is gearing up for a fight but it's possible. You would imagine Gene Hackman told his children what his intentions were. If there is an issue about one or more of the children being left out of the will then Andy is the guy you want in your corner.

"He is an old-school gentleman but when he is defending a client he's a pitbull."

Gene Hackman's son hires 'ruthless' lawyer to fight for $80M estate as actor leaves children out of will

Gene Hackman’s son Christopher, 65, has hired Andrew M Katzenstein, a powerhouse attorney from the elite Hollywood law firm Proskauer Rose

news.meaww.com

Gene Hackman’s kids not mentioned in his will — here’s what could happen to his $80M fortune

His son Christopher has allegedly already hired an attorney.

nypost.com

https://www.express.co.uk/celebrity-news/2027636/major-gene-hackman-will-update-son-hires-ruthless-lawyer/amp

Gene Hackman's Son Hires Lawyer Following Actor's Death

Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico last month. Now, as legal experts attempt to work through his will, it sounds like the actor's son has hired a lawyer. An investigation into their deaths has since concluded that Hackman "was in ...

www.yahoo.com

 

[Cherwell]

I found the ABC special moving. Like an ending for me and this case. Two things stood out. The barking dog in the 911 call and that the Sheriff tracked Betsy’s last movements via what was on the kitchen counter. Everything she bought on Feb 11 still sitting where she must have hastily left it.

I haven't seen the programme, did they say what the items were? I'm wondering if it's possible that she felt poorly enough to go and lie down, so left it out to make it easier for Gene to get it and use it.

 

[Joe Friday]

I found the ABC special moving. Like an ending for me and this case. Two things stood out. The barking dog in the 911 call and that the Sheriff tracked Betsy’s last movements via what was on the kitchen counter. Everything she bought on Feb 11 still sitting where she must have hastily left it. I had thought mistakenly that shopowners had volunteered information. But it sounds like no one noticed her on her last day’s errands. An invisible middle aged woman who was dying.

Betsy movements were more likely tracked by receipts found in her purse or bags and bank records showing purchases at those locations by way of debt/credit card.

JMO

 

[MrsEmmaPeel]

Betsy movements were more likely tracked by receipts found in her purse or bags and bank records showing purchases at those locations by way of debt/credit card.

JMO

The ABC show stated it was the shopping on the counter. On those items they could act immediately. Credit and debit cards would have taken warrants and time. That said I’m sure they did use that info eventually.

I haven't seen the programme, did they say what the items were? I'm wondering if it's possible that she felt poorly enough to go and lie down, so left it out to make it easier for Gene to get it and use it.

I haven't seen the programme, did they say what the items were? I'm wondering if it's possible that she felt poorly enough to go and lie down, so left it out to make it easier for Gene to get it and use it.

I can’t quote the Sheriff but he said the items left out on the counter led them to trace her last movements and then the video showed a local pet food store. It also staged a grocery bag full of food which I don’t know if that was based on fact or not. But it must have seemed odd to investigators that she would leave shopping on the counter as if she’d just arrived home. That doesn’t sound like BA. I read another place that dog food on the counter had not been gotten into so dogs had another source.

 

[Joe Friday]

The ABC show stated it was the shopping on the counter. On those items they could act immediately. Credit and debit cards would have taken warrants and time. That said I’m sure they did use that info eventually.

A subpoena for bank records can be obtained from the court very quickly. It's just a matter of drafting the paperwork and having approved by the court. Then taking it to the bank and obtaining the records. Definitely have the records on the same day if the bank is local.

The reason I say receipt and bank records is because LE also knew Betsy stopped at the drug store and the pet food store. Finding a bag of pet food in the house, or over the counter medicine in the bathroom wouldn't tell you which store she went to unless LE found a receipt or bag with the stores name on it. Then there could still be several possibilities of which physical store she went to. Locally to me there are five Walgreens and probably twenty other drug stores. Having to go to each store and ask if someone had been in two weeks earlier and look through sales receipts without records would be like going on a wild goose chase. If a prescription bottle had been found it would have the store address and date making it a little easier.

Also some stores may be reluctant to share information such as purchase history and video surveillance without a subpoena.

JMO

 

[Cherwell]

I can’t quote the Sheriff but he said the items left out on the counter led them to trace her last movements and then the video showed a local pet food store. It also staged a grocery bag full of food which I don’t know if that was based on fact or not. But it must have seemed odd to investigators that she would leave shopping on the counter as if she’d just arrived home. That doesn’t sound like BA. I read another place that dog food on the counter had not been gotten into so dogs had another source.

But we know that she was making phone calls to the doctor's surgery the next day so she must have had a reason for not putting the shopping away.

 

[ClearAhead]

But we know that she was making phone calls to the doctor's surgery the next day so she must have had a reason for not putting the shopping away.

My heart feels broken for Betsy. This poor woman is facing an impending and deadly collapse and rather than taking care of her health, she’s out grocery shopping which generally also involves meal prep and cooking, taking time away from doctor’s visits.

She either didn’t have anyone she could call upon nor feel she had the right to have ready made meals delivered for afew days, let alone call upon emergency medical attention. Instead she spent the afternoon grocery shopping. No one to rely on but herself in a time of need….so sad.

 

[tlcya]

But we know that she was making phone calls to the doctor's surgery the next day so she must have had a reason for not putting the shopping away.

I haven't backread so forgive me if this has been posted somewhere in this thread. Do we know what specific grocery items were in the grocery bag? For instance were some of them items that should have been refrigerated or were they "dry" goods only?

 

[Megnut]

My heart feels broken for Betsy. This poor woman is facing an impending and deadly collapse and rather than taking care of her health, she’s out grocery shopping which generally also involves meal prep and cooking, taking time away from doctor’s visits.

She either didn’t have anyone she could call upon nor feel she had the right to have ready made meals delivered for afew days, let alone call upon emergency medical attention. Instead she spent the afternoon grocery shopping. No one to rely on but herself in a time of need….so sad.

Plus surely she expected she had covid or the flu. Probably instinctive to her to protect Gene from catching what she had. I imagine she thought she'd have to weather a few days. No one thinks hantavirus, I could be dead in the next half hour.

Gene may not have been entirely helpless and may have understood she was keeping her distance so he wouldn't get sick.

I think she had no idea what she had or how fatal or how fast she'd spiral.

JMO

 

[ClearAhead]

Plus surely she expected she had covid or the flu. Probably instinctive to her to protect Gene from catching what she had. I imagine she thought she'd have to weather a few days. No one thinks hantavirus, I could be dead in the next half hour.

Gene may not have been entirely helpless and may have understood she was keeping her distance so he wouldn't get sick.

I think she had no idea what she had or how fatal or how fast she'd spiral.

JMO

I agree, unfortunately she had no idea what she had although once her lungs began filling with fluid, she would’ve had various symptoms which she chose to ignore, as if nothing was seriously wrong.

Pulmonary Edema: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in your lungs. It causes shortness of breath and difficulty breathing and can be heart-related or not heart-related.

my.clevelandclinic.org

Pulmonary edema is the abnormal buildup of “fluid in the lungs.” Fluid buildup in your lungs can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up of foam and loose mucus, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary edema can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

 

[MrsEmmaPeel]

But we know that she was making phone calls to the doctor's surgery the next day so she must have had a reason for not putting the shopping away.

The sheriff intimates that the groceries on counter stood out. Smart of them to follow the items as leads, imo. From that, I took that she felt so bad she didn't put things away. Make what you want of it and maybe watch the show and draw your own conclusions. I found it telling.